Tropical Cyclones

What is a Tropical Storm or Hurricane?

Is a rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical waters and has a closed low-level circulation. Additional information can be found at the Tropical Cyclone Climatology page.

How does a Tropical Storm/Hurricane get its name?

The National Hurricane Center will give a name to a tropical cyclone that meets Tropical Storm strength or higher. This name will remain with the system if the tropical cyclone is upgraded (example, Tropical Storm Irma has been upgraded to Hurricane Irma). Storm names are retired based on significant events.